Dr. Ellen Gawalt has been named Chairperson of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Dr. Philip Reeder, Dean of the Bayer School of Natural & Environmental Sciences, has announced that Dr. Ellen Gawalt has been named Chairperson of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Said Dr. Reeder, "I am sure that under Dr. Gawalt's leadership, the department will continue to thrive in teaching, service, and scholarship, and will continue to fulfill its mission of educating tomorrow's chemists and biochemists."

Showcasing Undergraduate Research

Application-Based Service Learning (ABSL)

Application-Based Service Learning (ABSL) uses a collaborative, integrated approach to teach scientific concepts and skills in a course setting. Designed to provide novel approaches to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education to help solve community-based problems, the program allows students to apply the scientific method to a research question posed by a community problem to provide a better understanding of the issue or find a resolution. At the same time, students learn technical writing, laboratory techniques, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. Visit the ABSL website for more information.

The Bayer School is Living the Spiritan Mission

The Bayer School has a deep tradition of looking forward, reaching out and giving back by supporting initiatives on campus, in the Pittsburgh and global communities, and by supporting the teacher-scholar model through various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) initiatives.

From Student to Scientist

As a student scientist in Duquesne University's Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, you have the opportunity to make real contributions to research as you prepare for a rewarding career. Students work side-by-side with their professors and graduate students as they participate in nationally funded research projects. With dedicated faculty mentors, you'll receive personalized academic and career guidance that helps you succeed here on our Bluff and beyond.

Learning for the Real World in the Real World

In keeping with Duquesne’s mission to educate mind, heart and spirit, undergraduate students have a unique opportunity to participate in a selective 10-week summer research program that includes seminars, community service programs and ethics training. As part of the program, students present their research at on-campus and national meetings and frequently appear as co-authors in professional journals. This hands-on experience gives our students a competitive edge when applying to graduate or professional schools, or entering the workforce.

The Right Place at the Right Time

During your time at Duquesne, you’ll find Pittsburgh’s expansive scientific community is an invaluable resource. Our region is home to a number of research and industry giants as well as a vast biomedical community that welcome Bayer School students for internships and employment. For example, corporate representatives from across the region regularly visit campus to recruit Bayer School students. And the Bayer Corporation, a longtime supporter and namesake of the school, maintains a professional partnership with the school in recognition of its outstanding academic standards and achievements.

Bayer School of Natural & Environmental Sciences

In June 2016, Bayer School Dean Dr. Philip Reeder traveled to Vilnius, Lithuania, to continue research started in June 2015.

The research once again focused on the Great Synagogue of Vilnius site, which was once the largest synagogue in Eastern Europe, until its destruction by the Soviets in the 1950s.

These projects are a continuation of research Dr. Reeder conducted with the same multidisciplinary research team of geophysicists and archaeologists in Nazareth, Israel in summer 2015.

In January 2016, Dr. Reeder traveled to Rhodes, Greece, where he conducted research related to locating Hellenistic wall systems under the city. The purpose of locating these walls, as well as an ancient furnace for making bronze, was to put the research team closer to finding the remains of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the ancient wonders of the world. He also established connections to facilitate future faculty and student exchanges, in addition to research, teaching, and scholarship opportunities.